In Iraq, security forces launched an extensive search operation across the capital Baghdad on Tuesday reportedly after receiving information that militants were planning attacks in the city.Many arterial roads and the bridges across the Tigress river were blocked by check points.Baghdad was practically ground to a halt during the morning rush hours. As the traffic jams piled up, rumours began circulating that a senior politician may have been assassinated. But police sources dismissed all the rumours and said the measures were preventative. Information had been received that another double suicide bombing was being prepared. Therefore, the police took a decision to lock the city down and conduct searches.